New York Jets’ Michael Vick: ‘I’m a premier quarterback in this league’
The New York Jets hoped they found their long-term solution at quarterback when they selected former West Virginia Mountaineers’ quarterback with the 39th-overall pick in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Smith became the starter for the Jets in 2013, playing all 16 games, but really struggled. Of course, playing with a team that had arguably the worst skill players in the league would hinder any quarterback.
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The Jets wanted to give Smith help, which is why they made a couple of major moves, signing wide receiver Eric Decker away from the Denver Broncos and scooping up running back Chris Johnson after the Tennessee Titans released him. They also brought in former Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Michael Vick to give Smith some real competition and potentially take his job. Vick has consistently said the right things about Smith but is confident in winning the job. In fact, he still considers himself a “premiere quarterback.”
Rich Cimni of ESPN New York has the scoop.
"The New York Jets’ quarterback “competition” (Rex Ryan’s word) is officially underway. It’s frontrunner Geno Smith versus Michael Vick, who supports Smith but considers himself an elite player.“I still feel like I’m a premier quarterback in this league,” Vick said Wednesday after reporting to training camp.This will be a fascinating dynamic because Vick is a more accomplished player than Smith, but Smith is the likely opening-day starter. Ryan, taking the politically correct approach, said he has two starting-caliber quarterbacks. But, at some point over the next few weeks, he’ll have to pick one. Ryan wouldn’t give a timetable, saying a decision will be made at the “appropriate” time."
Vick completed 77 of 141 passes for 1,215 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions last season.